Brian Howard has finally joined Reading after his protracted transfer from Sheffield United was approved by the football authorities.

The 26-year-old midfielder agreed personal terms with Royals on Monday after the Blades accepted a fee in the region of £300,000.

But a late rush of activity on transfer deadline day led to a backlog of deals needing ratification.

Howard was one of three new players signed by Royals this week. Centre-back Darren O’Dea, aged 22, joined on loan from Celtic until January, while 20-year-old right-back Shaun Cummings was snapped up from Chelsea on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Reading director of football Nick Hammond said: “It’s been a bit manic, but we’ve now had confirmation from the football authorities and league and it is all done now.

“It took a bit of time, but that is because there are so many deals being processed. I am delighted Howard is here. There weren’t any complications. It was just that some paperwork sent before deadline day took two days to be approved. But that is just part of the process – he is our player now.”

Howard is no stranger to scoring at Madejski Stadium. It was his goal that earned United a 1-0 win there back in April – a result that severely dented Royals’ automatic hopes.

Hammond insisted that Howard’s transfer was not dependent on James Harper’s switch to Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United in effect took over Harper’s Reading contract, which was due to expire at the end of the season.

Winchester-born Howard featured in five of United’s six games this season, but with the arrival of Harper and Jordan Stewart (from Derby), Howard was deemed surplus to requirements.

Howard joined United on loan from Barnsley last October and that deal was made permanent the following January.

He was named Barnsley’s player-of-the-year for the 2006-07 season and scored the goal that knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup at Anfield in 2008.

And Blades boss Kevin Blackwell is sure Howard will be a big success at Madejski Stadium.

He said: “In all fairness it has perhaps not worked out as well as either of us would have liked. But he is a smashing lad who has worked exceptionally hard. Sometimes these things happen in football and I sincerely wish him all the best. He is a very good player and going to Reading should be a great opportunity for him.”

Blackwell added that Harper has been a long-time target of his.

“I have always admired him. When James and Steve Sidwell were in the centre of Reading’s midfield there was no-one to touch them,” he said. “They were the best partnership in the division. He is someone I would have liked to have brought in a long time ago.

“We had to work doubly hard to get to him as there were some very good clubs in for him as well as us.”

Hammond, meanwhile, believes Harper will rise to the challenge at Sheffield United, saying: “It is a great opportunity for him to get playing again. He’s a fantastic player and personality. I wish him every success.”